This Christmas tree stand has all the things are experts recommend: sturdy metal frame, holds a decent amount of water — you know, the basics. It is more than $100, which we don’t love.

“A Christmas tree should fit your needs and design style. As far as choosing real versus artificial, there isn’t one that’s better than the other. It really all comes down to preference.

The Cardboard Christmas Tree was designed and developed by Cloud Gate Design LLC, a Chicago based design house. Cloud Gate Design was founded in 2006 by two designer friends, Nick Ng and Dan ...